Sixth straight setback

HRV boys continue to struggle

PORTLAND — Jan. 3 was the last time the HRV boys basketball team saw Central Catholic. It was also the last time the Eagles were able to find the win column.

But the same Eagles team that shot the Rams back to earth on Jan. 3 didn’t show up Monday in Portland, losing its sixth straight game 78-48.

Central Catholic made 14 three-pointers in the game, including six in the second quarter, which accounted for their entire 18-point output.

“The biggest difference between this game and the first game was that they made their shots this time,” coach Tom Ames said. “That was definitely the biggest factor.”

The loss almost assuredly puts HRV out of contention for a playoff spot — currently 7th out of nine teams — and leaves the players to set new goals for the season.

“We’re in a readjustment period,” Ames said. “The kids are down and so am I. But we’re going to keep trying to get better and finish strong.”

The team will have a good chance of turning things around Friday night with a home game against 1-8 Parkrose. However, the Broncos’ one win came against a team HRV had trouble with just last week, Reynolds.

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Friday’s game versus Reynolds also demonstrated that this is not the same Eagles team that was in second place three weeks ago.

HRV fell behind early and despite a late fourth-quarter run, never threatened the Raiders, losing the game 57-46.

The Eagles were unable to find a rhythm early and were slowed by turnovers and the small, quick Raiders’ lineup. Reynolds’ backcourt of David Jackson and Sammy Jannsen lit it up from the outside and played excellent rotation defense on HRV guards Andy Holmson and Nate Armerding.

Reynolds obviously scouted the Eagles well because they kept the ball out of Holmson’s hands and didn’t allow Armerding to shoot from the outside — two of the Eagles’ biggest strengths.

Another of HRV’s strengths, power forward Brendon Charles, made his return to the lineup after missing two games to score 14 points and grab five rebounds. He also added three assists and three steals.

Armerding and Eric Nelson each finished with eight points, while Holmson had seven and Jarrod Fogle five to lead HRV.

Aside from a few flurries late, the Eagles never got untracked and had to watch Reynolds shoot free throws the final two minutes.